Justin Timberlake

Less than a month before headlining the halftime show at the 52nd Super Bowl, Justin Timberlake has just released a funky new track titled “Filthy,” which is the first preview from his upcoming album, Man of the Woods. Upon my first few listens, I must confess my initial reaction is mixed. I like the groove-a-licious beat, but my ears and brain keep endlessly searching for a hook that makes me want to give it repeated attention and I’m not entirely convinced this new tune has the power to bring sexy back.

“Filthy” doesn’t make me feel dirty or clean, just apprehensive, as it ultimately seems like a step backwards from the Tenn. Man’s exceptional 20/20 Experience. However, I don’t want to jump to premature conclusions, because if I’ve only learned one thing over the years, it’s that you can’t always judge an album from its lead-off single.

It’s a new year and that means thrilling new musical projects are on the horizon for 2018. The past year gave us quite a few gems including new releases from Tori Amos, Beck, Eminem, The Killers, U2, Guardians of the Galaxy 2’sAwesome Mix Vol. 2 and the first proper solo effort from Liam Gallagher before 2017 ultimately concluding with holiday gifts from Sia, Tom Chaplin and Gwen Stefani.

As we proceed into 2018, we have several exciting items waiting in the wings such as new albums from Florence + the Machine, Father John Misty, Justin Timberlake, MGMT, The 1975 and a new remake of A Star Is Born, containing new music from Lady Gaga. There’s also U2’s highly anticipated Experience + Innocence Tour, so 2018 sounds as if it will be engrossing.

As we say goodbye to 2013 with all too fresh memories of Miley Cyrus’ embarrassing raunch, the aural overkill of Lorde’s “Royals,” and the over saturated blandness of Katy Perry still lingering about, we can only look ahead with hope that 2014 will redeem this year’s failures.

The beginning of a new year always seems exhilarating as it promises a fresh start and a renewed faith that things can only get better. Looking into the not so distant future we can expect new releases from U2, a return to alternative pop from Tori Amos (after her last three classical infused releases), Cher’s final farewell and last hurrah (Dressed to Kill Tour), and after an extended absence from live performing, cerebral shit stirrer Lady Gaga returns to the touring scene with her upcoming artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball Tour.

With fingers crossed and musical palettes cleansed, let’s close out 2013 by taking a beat to remember how music makes us feel as it permanently finds its way into the soundtrack of our lives. As we prepare to leap forward into a new year, let’s hope our high expectations of better days to come are fulfilled in 2014.